Abandoned Brothers & Sisters

Throughout its history, the Department of Defense (DOD) has relied on Government Civilians and Battlefield Contractors to support a wide range of military operations and critical roles in supporting U.S. troops. Over the last decade in Iraq and Afghanistan, and before that, in the Balkans, contractors accounted for 50% or more of the total military force.

No one is tracking these Abandon Brothers & Sisters. Granted some are Veterans, however, they are Civilians operating in “Theater”, on the battlefield.
They encountered the same stress and injuries afflicted upon our Warriors. Many have no support network, no medals or honors. Their sacrifices must not be forgotten!

DOD - Contractors in Afghanistan and Iraq:
Background and Analysis - PDFCongressional Research ServiceMoshe Schwartz, Joyprada Swain
DOD had more contractor personnel in Afghanistan and Iraq (155,000) than uniformed personnel (145,000). Contractors made up 52% of DOD’s workforce in Afghanistan and Iraq. Since December 2009, the number of DOD contractors in Afghanistan has exceeded the number in Iraq.

Census Counts 100,000 Contractors in Iraq - ArticleThe Washington Post By Renae Merle
There are about 100,000 government contractors operating in Iraq, not counting subcontractors, a total that is approaching the size of the U.S. military force there, according to the military's first census of the growing population of civilians operating in the battlefield.

Contractors in Iraq Are Hidden Casualties of WarLos Angeles Times / ProPublicaBy T. Christian Miller
In 2004, Lane was driving a fuel truck in Iraq for a defense contractor when insurgents attacked his convoy with rocket-propelled grenades. For most of the five years since, Lane, now 60, has spent his days in silence -- a reminder of the hidden costs of relying on civilian contract workers to support the U.S. war effort.
His wife, Linda, said visiting her husband was difficult. They were childhood friends and fiercely loyal to each other. On this spring morning, she caressed his hand and told him she loved him.

Civilian workers in Iraq suffering combat trauma
By Anna Badkhen
Chronicle Staff Writer
"He scans pastures and chicken farms for roadside bombs. He shoots wary glances at the faces of shoppers and moviegoers, searching for potential suicide bombers. Explosions blow off Thompson's limbs, over and over, in nightmares that stalk his sleep.
The war haunts him the way it haunts thousands of U.S. troops returning from their tours of duty in Iraq..."

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